Highlights From the Men’s Preliminaries - Day 6

Pirelli has won four consecutive golds this season, not losing a contest since Paris. He is European champion on top of the 3 World Judo Tour golds in Mongolia, Peru and Hungary. His place at the top of the draw was earned and he kicked off his day with massive wins, including a huge throw against double world champion Nikoloz Sherazadishvili (ESP).

A devastating loss against Ilia Sulamanidze (GEO) in the semi-final, a highly decorated judoka who, unbelievably, didn’t have a world final under his belt until today, means the top seed would have to fight for bronze instead of gold. Pirelli and Tulkinbek Turdiev (UZB) have never fought before; there is much at stake.

Pirelli and Tulkinbek Turdiev (UZB) have never fought before; there is much at stake.Turdiev looked to be in great form in Baku. He was the man who ejected second seed Leonardo Goncalves (BRA) from the running.

It was the 2023 world champion, Arman Adamian (RUS) who stopped Turdiev from going all the way, beating him in their quarter-final. Adamian also made it into the final block. He will fight for bronze against compatriot Niiaz Bilalov.

Elsewhere, local hero Zelym Kotsoiev (AZE) had a great opening two rounds but was stopped in his tracks by a defiant Adamian, much to the disappointment of the crowd inside the National Gymnastics Arena.

Meanwhile, Dota Arai (JPN) sped through his half of the draw taking out Adamian in their semi-final. Looking sharp, strong and focused, he seemed like a good candidate for the gold medal but Sulamanidze will be ready to shatter that dream.

Massive throws and powerful resistance characterised the morning session for the -100 kg category. The final block will begin at 6pm local time and promises to deliver a thrilling close to day 6. Tune in to JudoTV.com to stay up to date with all the action.